Jason Heath’s Double Bass Blog

Though I’ve never been a member of the New World Symphony (only subbing in the past), I have had dozens of friends and colleagues who’ve spent time in this exciting and educational South Florida orchestra. Serving as the training orchestra for the United States (sorry, Civic Orchestra of Chicago–you’re just not the same [...]

Ah, the joys of Photoshop!  This picture was sent to me by bassist Vito Liuzzi.  You can also check out video of Vito playing Nino Rota and Bottesini here.

Lyric Opera of Chicago bassist (and Contrabass Conversations guest) Greg Sarchet sent me a link to what is pretty much the greatest bass video of all time. I’m not sure whether to put an ‘explicit’ warning on this one–let’s just say that you may want to skip this one if you have delicate sensibilities.
For [...]

I can’t program concerts to save my life.  At least, I’m sure my students feel that way!
One thing I’ve tried to do as a bass teacher, with varying degrees of success, is to have an annual recital for my students.  This is something that is really important to do as a private teacher–it gives students [...]

Have you ever seen a dog with such a horrified expression?  From the always entertaining icanhascheezburger.com:

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Jason chats about a very entertaining stand partner he works with, plus offers some advice for keeping relations with your colleagues cordial in the orchestral environment.

If you haven’t seen the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special from 1978, you’re truly missing out. This spectacular disaster simply has to be seen to be believed. Check out a ‘greatest hits’ clip reel of this show below.

This one always makes me laugh.  Via Dark Roasted Blend:

After the first half of our 10th or 11th Nutcracker performance this season, the principal horn for the ballet company that I work for (sometimes with disastrous effects) came up to me with a knowing half-grin on his face. We had just finished playing the big ‘battle scene’ with the armed mice, probably the [...]

 

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Click the player above to hear a song that will be sure to put you in a Christmas spirit…if your idea of Christmas spirit is heavy metal to the max. I’ve been sworn to secrecy on how I know these guys, but one of the band members would fit in quite well as a [...]